Music Therapy links

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

SMWC 2018-19 Academic Year Brings New Students

Each fall, we like to
introduce a few of the incoming music and music therapy students who have
joined the SMWC community. Some were recently interviewed to learn more about
them and their decision to come to the Woods.

Autumn Wilson

Autumn Wilson is a freshman music therapy student who plays
both viola and percussion.

What drew you to pursuing a degree in music therapy at
Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods?I knew that I didn't want to go any further than five
to six hours away from my hometown, so that greatly limited my choices of
schools once I decided I wanted to pursue music therapy. I had never heard of
SMWC until I found out someone I knew was joining the program here, so I later
decided to check it out when I began looking for music therapy programs. I love
the atmosphere and the people. Besides having a beautiful campus, I was drawn
here because of the genuine, friendly, and helpful people I met.

When did you start learning viola? I began playing the viola in fourth grade as part of our
local youth symphony which has since been dissolved and implemented into the
school system. It was called Plymouth Community Youth Orchestra, but I'm glad
that the program grew so much that it was incorporated into the school system.

How has your view of music changed since you’ve been studying here at
Saint-Mary-of-the Woods?Although I've been playing music for a long time
in both band and orchestra, I've really learned how multi-faceted music is
because there are many aspects. My view on music hasn't really changed; it has
expanded and I'm grateful. My journey has just begun, and I look forward to
learning and growing more as a student, musician, and as an individual.

Robert Euhl, first year MT student

Robert
Euhl, a
percussionist, is a second degree student in his first semester of the
undergraduate music therapy program.

Many colleges are beginning to offer a
bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy. What lead you to choose Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods? With being a husband, father of three children, and having
roots in Bloomington, IN, commuting was (and is) my only option. While looking
through the nearest-by colleges offering music therapy, I first looked at
the cost. There appears to be great effort made here at SMWC to find financial
aid for students and that is something for which I'm very grateful. I also felt
drawn to SMWC which is something I didn't feel with the other schools. There is
an inner voice I believe we all have that when we listen, points us in the
direction we should go. I am guilty of not listening to my inner voice
sometimes (which is one reason I'm only now, in my 40's, pursuing music
therapy) but this time I listened and scheduled a campus visit. While on the
campus for the first time and seeing the organic garden, the conservatory, the
rich history of the campus and how the value of sustainability (the garden,
no unnecessary lights were on in the buildings, etc.) lined up with mine,
my mind was basically made up. The program is not easy though and I
occasionally let myself become stressed out and whine about it a little, but
then I remember why I'm here and why I'm here to stay to the end...to serve
others to my fullest ability.

What inspired you to pursue this degree? This
will be my second degree. My first degree is an Associate of Arts in General
Studies from Indiana University. It was one of the many ways I delayed studying
music therapy. But, because some of the credits from IU transferred to the
music therapy program here at SMWC, it will take less time to complete my
degree here.I was inspired to pursue music therapy back in
1993 while I was employed as a CNA in a nursing home working with Alzheimer's
residents. Being a musician, I would often play the piano or a guitar for the
residents during dinner or at random in the day room. There were certain songs
I would play that almost always created a festive atmosphere involving dancing,
singing, hand clapping and laughing. For a short time while the live music was
happening, the residents were brought out of their institutional situation and
transported to their little music festival in the day room. There's nothing
like live music! One day my nurse supervisor said to me between songs on the
piano, "you know, there's a professional field called music therapy you
might want to consider." A light shined in me as a beacon of purpose at
those words and the illumination has never faded. I tried to ignore
it through the years because of various unfounded fears and discouragement from
others. But eventually, after countless jobs that had little meaning for me and
experiencing the unhappiness that comes with them, I followed the beacon toward
my true service. Furthermore, I will never again ignore my calling and I would
encourage others to not ignore theirs either. Doing so does not serve
well.Bridgett Sider is a freshman music major studying voice and her
mother also attended the Woods.What have you learned about yourself as you have started
studying music at Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College?

Bridgett Sider, music major

So far, I've found
that I love studying music far more than I thought I did in high school. Here
at the Woods, I have an incredible opportunity to study in a gorgeous building
with amazing teachers and I'm beyond excited to continue my education here.When did you begin studying voice, and why did you become
interested in theatre? I started studying
voice when I was very young, but it wasn't until a few years ago that I
actually got a teacher and got into choirs and things. Musical theatre was
always part of my life since I was very young, but I never got the chance to be
involved with it until high school. I was drawn to theatre because I just had
this love of being on the stage, and joining the Bristol Renaissance Faire only
helped that love grow. That was my first experience on an interactive stage,
and I think it has greatly fueled my drive to become more involved in theatre.What would you tell someone who was considering studying
music at Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College? The community here
is amazing. The amount of support you get the moment you walk into the
Conservatory is incredible, and I only have good things to say.

Katelyn ("Katy") Pell, MT major

Katy Pell is a first year music therapy major who is also a member
of the SMWC Madrigals and is a Musician of Promise Scholarship winner.

What is a favorite aspect about being a Pomeroy/”Woodsie”? My
favorite part about being a "Woodsie" is being able to be a part of
all of the traditions and learn about the history of the school! Why
did you decide to study music therapy at Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College
instead of another college or university?When
I first visited during a college visit, I immediately felt
connected to the campus. I loved the close-knit community that SMWC has, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of it! What
types of music do you like to play, and what type(s) do you hope to become more
familiar with throughout your studies? I
enjoy playing all types of music, but I would love to learn more about hip-hip and how
to play it.

New music and music therapy students (Not pictured: Bridgett Sider)

It is always exciting every year to welcome new students into the Department of Music and Theatre! We wish all new students in all our programs (MAMT, MTED) well as the academic year progresses.

Improvisation is part of our culture

About Me

The SMWC Music Therapy Program was started in 1983 and has a long history of excellence.
If you would like to inquire about the SMWC Undergraduate Music Therapy Program, contact: Sharon R Boyle, M.M., MT-BC, Associate Professor of Music Therapy, Coordinator of Undergraduate Music Therapy
email: sboyle@smwc.edu
phone: 812-535-5145
http://www.smwc.edu/directory/faculty-and-staff/sharon-boyle